Travel

12/21/2017

Early mornings are like an avian highway out here in East San Diego County. We are lucky to be at the intersection of two major diverse bird populations: Those that inhabit the coastal environs to the West and others that make their home in the mountains and deserts to the East.

Hummingbirds are the first morning visitors. They are the smallest and feistiest of all birds. Like opposing magnets, they cannot stand to be in proximity to one another without battling for territory. And that territory includes our very popular bird bath and fountain, which is within view of our kitchen and reading room. They crave not only water to drink, but like also a morning dip. Yet due to their diminutive stature, Hummingbirds cannot afford to immerse themselves in the pool. Instead, they hover over the fountain and hang their body in the stream, dipping periodically to drag their lower extremities over the surface.

Several times, out of a desire to experience a different sound or appearance, I have changed the way the water flows in the fountain. And each time, for a few days after, they struggle to complete their morning ritual. But soon, they learn and find new ways to accomplish the task. They clearly possess the ability to adapt and innovate.

Fountain antics continue as the sun rises. Drops of gold begin falling in and around the water. as the gold finch and the yellow rumped warbler make their morning appearance. They too like to start the day with a fresh dip in the pool.

On most mornings, you'll find me sitting in the back yard with my coffee, only feet from the fountain observing them. For a moment they are taken aback by my presence, then quickly they surmise I'm probably not a threat and begin frolicking in the water. Though I couldn't catch them even if I wanted to, they remain tentative, frequently glancing in my direction as they bathe. This is the closest to trust as I can ever hope to achieve with these timid creatures.

The Towhee is also a frequent visitor and he, or she, usually comes with a friend or mate. They are the clowns that illicit my first laugh of the day. They're always in a hurry, as if they have a long list of yards to visit and find themselves far behind schedule. They hop and dance, run and flutter just above the ground. Sometimes going aloft for a few feet, then skidding back to the ground, with their little legs extended in braking mode.

Hawks like the Red Shouldered and the Cooper's Hawk also drop in, but much less often. They can usually be seen soaring above the yard during migration or mating times, or when they have young to feed. Their gorgeous plumages and piercing eyes are mesmerizing, made all more supernatural when considering the stealth by which they evade my gaze until just before an attack. They are experts at their craft. I have seen them catch small birds in mid-air, clasping their talons between an unlucky sparrow's wings and body, carrying them off with a silent, aerodynamic glide. I once awoke to one perched on a hay bale on my back slope, gorging himself on what I presumed was our one of our favorite avian residents. My suspicions were confirmed when our mockingbird's mellifluous melody was suddenly absent and remained so for the duration of that Spring.

But by far, my most evocative memory is that of a Roadrunner that appeared out of nowhere one Summer afternoon. He landed on a low wall just outside my window and proceeded to immediately run toward an unsuspecting lizard distracted while bathing in the warm sunlight. The poor reptile didn't have a chance. Before another second had passed, the predator had him in his beak. He began flailing the lizard wildly, up and down, using his neck as a sort of whip to increase the speed. He slammed the helpless victim onto the pavement several times until the life was literally thrashed out of him. Then, with one gulp, down the gullet he went. Lucky for me, the Roadrunner stayed for a time, exploring my patio, thereby allowing me amply opportunity to snap some surreptitious pictures.

Other perodic visitors include the Black Phoebe, who perches nervously on a top a thin branch, swaying in the wind as he anticipates his next plunge, which usually results in the catching of a tasty insect. Sparrows, Finches, Bluebirds. Orioles, Ravens and the beautiful and shy desert dweller, Phainopepla, (featured). His call sounds like someone whistling to get your attention. On more than one occasion, I've reflexively turned around expecting to discover an unexpected guest standing at my door, only to realize I was once again duped by this dark and secretive little visitor.

I've often speculated what it is about birds that makes them so universally loved. I've settled on several unique characteristics that endear them to us such that they have woven their presence into our art, literature and folk tales from the beginning of recorded history.

- They have the ability to appear and disappear without notice. The magic of flight allows them to easily breach natural and man-made barriers that deter or repel other creatures. As such, pagan communities in ancient days began relating their sudden presence to the foretelling of significant events in the lives of those that witnessed their arrival.

For an example: In India, the incessant cawing of a crow might portend a visitor. Upon receiving this foresight, a family would prepare extra food in anticipation of welcoming their guest. In early Hebrew writings, the Tree of Life bares all the souls that have ever or will ever exist and only the Sparrow can see the souls descending in the the flesh of Humanity. It is that joyous event that causes the sparrow to sing. But one day-as the myth details-the Tree of Life will have produced its last soul, after which birds will cease their song. This was described to be one of the 7 ominous signs of an impending Apocalypse.

Their appearance and disappearance corresponds with the changing of the seasons. Even in the midst of all our technology, we can still see ancient patterns playing out around us all the time. Spring brings new growth, flowers, pollination by birds, bees and butterflies. Summer hastens the ripening of fruit, which is subsequently gathered in preparation for fall wines, jams and pies. Fall and Winter too have their unique character, which may be more or less apparent, depending on the climate where you live. Birds respond to these seasonal signals, often migrating thousands of miles to warmer or colder climes in search of food and or optimal breeding habitat.

I can see and hear these patterns from my kitchen window. The appearance and the song of the White Crowned Sparrow signals the return of Fall. Hawks also appear in rare flocks overhead in response to Autumnal urges. The Bluebird and Oriole return for Summer nesting habitat. Their colorful plumage, a stark counterpoint to the reds and greens so prevalent in a summer garden.

The songbird lays down an audible tapestry which help to define a sense of place. One of my favorite activities when traveling is to listen for and attempt to identify the birds I find there. If their songs are substantially different from those I hear at home, I know I'll most likely be adding a new bird to my life list. I don't actually have a written account of all the birds I've seen over the years, but I make a mental note of the locale, the color, the shape and song of each new species. I find this to be a great way to recall my visceral experience of a place, adding an additional layer of complexity to its flavor. Much like experiencing a fine wine with all of it commensurate and unique nuances.

Bird Watcher or Nature Lover? Is there a difference?

Casual observers passing by a group of bird watchers (or birders, as they are often derisively called), may assume they are a group of nerds that have chosen to focus their propensity for detail and minutia on the poor birds, who just want to be left alone to behave as Nature intended. And there may be a grain of truth to this characterization. But there is much more that can be gleaned by noticing the birds that are almost always in your midst, regardless of where you live: They are the epitome and the expression of wildness in your own backyard; the conduits through which you can strengthen your connection to unseen forces that keep our planet and indeed all of creation running like a Swiss watch. The tides, cycles of weather, seasonal shifts, the blooming and recycling of plants, indeed the beating of your own heart are not unlike the observable patterns of birds, dancing on the rhythms of Nature, bringing beauty, serenity and as sense of wonder to our often busy and challenging lives.

10/16/2017

Having just visited this especially beautiful pocket of Northern California, Napa and Sonoma Counties, its bucolic majesty was still fresh in my mind when I heard the first murmurings of a fire in the area. Wildfires are a fact of life in these semi-arid regions of the State, whose meadows and hillsides often grow emerald green with winter rain and then dry out to a tawny brown soon after Spring has bid her farewell. It is just this characteristic velvety brown landscape that provides one important component for a fire to take hold

The local fire stations and volunteer departments are used to these flair ups. And when one happens, it barely makes the local papers or registers a mention on the evening news. The rapid response of these fire fighters almost always achieves the upper hand before homes, livestock or other precious resources are ever threatened.

But on the rare occasions that there is that perfect storm and elemental forces conspire to create a conflagration of horrific proportions, there is little anyone can do but run for their lives. By the time dispatchers sent the first team to knock down the flames that appeared overnight, it was already too late. Building quietly somewhere in a dark canyon and fueled by what residents call “The Diablo Winds” once fire had made it to the first ridge, in the wee hours of the morning, it had become a seething, monster, determined to leave only stone and metal in its wake.

It moved so fast, that those in its path barely had time to don a robe, gather the children or elderly parents and beat a hasty retreat through a gauntlet of towering flames. Left behind were all the seemingly indispensable minutia that make up a home: Musical instruments, photo albums, heirlooms from generations past and in so many cases, a sanctuary built through loving plans and hands to safely ride out the golden years.

So many chose this beautiful area for retirement. With countless micro-farms, wineries and specialty restaurants dotting the valleys, foothills and towns, living in the Napa / Sonoma area has always represented a captivating blend of metropolitan and rural amenities. The comfortable pace and lifestyle, friendly atmosphere and proximity to medical centers, universities and the economic powerhouses that are San Francisco and Silicon Valley, gave this region the moniker “God’s country”. What I always interpreted to mean, “where God would live, were he (or she), were to ever be in the market”.

Though I now live in Southern California, ironically, what many consider the epicenter of wild infernos, for me, the devastation to the North Bay has left an emotional scar. You see, I once lived there. You might say, I grew up there. Having moved from Los Angeles, in my early twenties, to seek a closer and deeper connection to Nature, I found the environs in which I wished I had spent my childhood. And over the ensuing decades, I came to know it intimately… better than most.

I brought with me that Southern California affinity for the automobile. And with my trusty steed, I would spend weekends on long excursions, in search of new views, lakes, nurseries, wineries, towns or experiences yet to be discovered. One one such trip, I came across an exotic zoo, tucked away in the uniquely beautiful valley that ascends from the windy Mark West Springs Rd. This road wends its way from Eastern Santa Rosa to Calistoga, passing wineries, farms, aging barns, horse pastures, but mostly, some of the most scenic countryside to be found anywhere. At the intersection of Franz Valley School Rd, can be found Safari West. And on this particular day, while joyriding down the road, I glimpsed a giraffe peeking out over a fence. Now, I have seen many odd things in the North Bay: Creative farmers have experimented with raising emu, lamas, long horned cattle and even bison on these productive pastures. But giraffe?

I made a u-turn and indeed, found a giraffe eager to engage with me. Especially if I tempted her with a clump of fresh grass. Soon, her calf appeared. Her head barely topped the fence, but her eyes seemed to capture all that is mysterious and beautiful in Nature with one glance. I was hooked! And in several weeks, I was working there as a docent. The experiences I had and the memories I made during that incredible summer I will reserve for another day. But suffice it to say, I was more familiar than most with that road, having traveled it many times on my way to and from that little preserve in the hills, North East of Santa Rosa.

It is the same road that I recently took my wife to visit for the first time, as I introduced to her the small part of the universe where I grew into manhood and where I left a piece of my heart. She marveled at the countless doglegs and switchbacks that make this highway so fun to drive. With my trusty 4Runner, I took them as fast as I safely could, giving us both the visceral sensation of centrifugal force as we leaned this way and that, descending ever deeper into the canyon. We imagined coming back some day soon in a rented convertible sports car, dropping the top and feeling the fresh wind in our hair as we inhaled the aroma of oak and pine.

But alas, it is that same oak and pine forest that has now been mostly consumed by the fire. For us, the memory is bittersweet. We feel lucky to have seen it just weeks before it burned, but now we gasp at the thought that it might remain only an image in our minds rather than a place we can actually revisit.

What Is Home

This brings me to the concept I alluded to in the title of this article: Home. What is home anyway? This week and in the weeks and months ahead, I and many thousands will need to wrestle with that question. For those who now live and work in this area and who were recently evacuated to shelters, anxiously awaiting word about their cherished property and belongings, life may be forever changed. The economic realities of the area make it such that it serves as a bedroom community for commuters working in and around San Francisco. By the thousands, each weekday, they wend their way south along the 101, like a red snake in the dawn light, to jobs that are not available above the Sonoma County line. For those who have now lost that home, relocation North or South will probably not be an option. The ensuing calculation will go something like this: Move farther North, to Windsor and Healdsburg, where the commute becomes an impossible barrier? Or, move South, into Marin County, where rents and home prices are beyond the means of all but the most well off? The conundrum has no easy answer. And for those who were uninsured or for whom insurance will not sufficiently compensate their loss, the road back to equilibrium will be long indeed. They may need to move completely out of the area and then struggle to find a new definition of “Home”, one that will be incomplete at best.

For me, it is less well defined. Napa and Sonoma county, or what is variously called “The North Bay”, or "Wine Country", was a kind of “Home” I returned to in my mind countless times over the preceding decades. While the intrepid residents of this area will no doubt find the strength and vision to rebuild, it will be many decades, (if ever), before the myriad forests, vineyards, wineries and little farms reestablish and bring back the relaxed and timeless character that I recall. It will take a while to resolve the tension between this image in my mind and what may now be the reality. It may indeed be necessary to return and create new memories there, as the land and the people that love it evolve and heal from their ordeal.

Let Us Learn from Others' Misfortune

For the rest of us, let this be a cautionary tale. Our planet and our climate is changing. Whether you believe that or not does not alter the fact. Whether climate change was responsible for this particular tragedy, no one can be sure. One thing we do know however, is that California now has a year-round fire season. There is no part of this state, or frankly our country that is immune to the prospect of a catastrophic inferno. We must not ignore this fact and change our behavior to respond to this new reality.

1. Prepare your home to resist fire's assault. Remove dry or dying vegetation from on and around your property. If an adjoining home is poorly maintained, try to work with the owner to create a mutually beneficial fire-resistant landscape. Cut down trees or shrubs close to the house, that might catch fire and drop embers on roofs or in clogged rain gutters. Also, keep those gutters cleaned.

2. If you have a large property, irrigate the areas close to the home. On that land farther from the house, for which irrigation would be impractical or too expensive, keep weeds mowed, dead trees removed, and fire breaks, such as roads and dry creek beds well managed.

3. Prepare a suitcase with essentials: Clothing, copies of important documents, cash, car keys, water, etc. When and if you have to leave in minutes, there will be no time to gather these things.

4. Have an evacuation plan in place. That may involve rope ladders to escape multi storied units, easy access to well-maintained vehicles, and at least 2 unimpeded avenues of escape.

5. Finally, look around your home. Make sure you have working hoses attached to every spigot. In the event embers are dropping on your roof from some distance away, you may be able to save your property just by dousing those sparks.

That is what Peter Lang did, the owner of Safari West. Somehow, due to his vigilance, ingenuity and sheer determination, he kept his prize Safari West from burning. In fact, this week, a new baby giraffe was born. They called her "Tubbs" after the most massively destructive fire that raged through the area.

If he can do that with his 400+ acres, then the rest of us might have a fighting chance to save our home a well, if and when the unthinkable happens...

08/19/2017

I am sorry to define one of Humanity's hallowed institutions in such stark terms, but when you honestly compare the two seemingly disparate environments, the likeness is undeniable.

Let's take the recent tragic events in Barcelona, where 14 people were killed and over a hundred injured in a "mowing" attack, which took place in broad daylight in that city's iconic Ramblas shopping area.

In case you missed this "all to familiar" story: A van, driven by an as yet unidentified assailant, drove down the iconic Ramblas shopping area in Barcelona at a high rate of speed, weaving from side to side in an effort to run over as many pedestrians as possible. In a separate, but probably coordinated attack, two police officers were also struck in a different area on the same day. They were both killed. The total now stands at 14, which may increase if some of the many critically injured expire in the hospital.

I was just there three weeks earlier. Vacationing in Spain, as so many do from across the globe, I found the city at once charming and chaotic. I have a natural fear of crowds and congested areas. And for someone like me, a place like Barcelona's city center is a cluster of unsettling sights and sounds. An odd man who looks at you a little too long, or a car that drives erratically, etc. Though those in my midst seemed blissfully ignorant of any perceived warp in the natural order of things, my defense mechanisms were on high alert. Perhaps that is what caused me to make the observation when I was there, that Las Ramblas would make a perfect target for a radicalized extremest to conduct a car attack.

Las Ramblas is like a broad sidewalk or median strip. On either side of that pedestrian area is a two lane road that provides access for commercial vehicles to make deliveries or commuters to avoid even busier streets elsewhere.

As you can see, on any given day, there are hundreds of persons densely packed, milling around, each lost in their own unique world of shopping, architectural wonder and people watching. Cars and trucks whiz by only feet away, without even a curb to separate them from the throng.

On the day I was there, I also was snapping pictures of the charming architectural wonders that line the entire district. But I couldn't shake the notion that we were like sitting ducks in that funnel of humanity. Right in the cross-hairs of a errant vehicle that might leave the road either intentionally or by virtue of having lost control. I kept looking behind me, scanning my surroundings in every direction, looking for anything out of place.

And though Spain is not unique in this regard, pick-pockets abound. Distracted shoppers, flush with cash represent a business opportunity for clans of criminals that steel from tourists with the finesse of a surgeon. Men with wallets in their back pocket or women with purses dangling by their shoulders present low-hanging fruit to these scammers, who have elevated this type of personal attack to an art form. Often, the victim has no idea they were robbed until they reach for their wallet or pocketbook and find it missing. We met half a dozen co, uples who were assaulted in this way, turning what was supposed to be their relaxing vacation into a mind-jarring nightmare of having been violated.

It was only after returning home, that I began to process the whole experience. Then upon hearing the tragic news that my fear was indeed prescient, I realized, we can only become victims of this ubiquitous threat if we continue to be complacent about the reality of our cities. They have become the new Savana, where we, like pack animals roam to feed, engage in mating rituals, recreate and relax and where we may become at any time, the victim of a predatory act.

It has often been stated, that there is safety in numbers. It is this philosophy that has allowed people to feel at ease in crowds. But this once wise strategy has been turned on its head, suddenly, it is crowds that are targeted.

Unlike grazing bison or elephants, facing outward to protect the young and weak from a carousing wolf pack or snarling lion, there is no defense against a 3 ton hunk of hot metal careening into a crowd at 60 miles an hour. This is not the case of one or even several hungry predators seeking vulnerable individuals to feed their young or satisfy their own hunger: that is almost honorable and even understandable by comparison with the senseless bloodshed sought and promulgated by the vermin that live in our midst.

In some ways, a prey animal on the Savana has more warning and opportunity to escape. A lion will always look like a lion. Four legged predators cannot don a disguise. The best they can do is skulk in the tall grass and hope that their outline or their scent is not detected by their intended victim. But human predators look for the most part like you and me. It could be your neighbor, a person delivering a package, a customer in a pizza joint. No stranger is completely beyond suspicion and therefore, unfortunately, everyone must be considered a potential threat.

I know, I know, you say, this is no way to live. But I say, This is how you will continue to live. The bubble you have presumed is your protection, has suddenly become your prison of ignorance.

What to do:

A.Avoid cities whenever possible. I know this sounds ridiculous, but over the last century, there has been a disapora of humanity streaming from rural areas across the globe, to densely populated cities, in search of opportunities, jobs, social activities, whatever. This has spurred tremendous economic growth, technological advancements and many things that are positive for our society. But it has also made us all more vulnerable then ever. Terrorists who seek to wage cowardly attacks en masse, find easy pickins in our crowded cities, where inhabitants and visitors alike, must become inured to loud noises, odd looking people or other potential signs of danger.

B.If you live in or must go to a city.... shopping mall, concert hall or other crowded venues, make a point to familiarize yourself with the exits, first and foremost. Ask yourself, "If I had to escape this place in a hurry, maybe in the dark, how would I do it"? If you're in a group, take a moment to agree on that plan of action and where you'll meet if the unthinkable happens.

C.Watch everything. Imagine yourself a gazelle on the Savana, because, increasingly, that is how you're seen by a growing nefarious element in our society. Know that danger can emerge from any and every direction and as you're supposed to when you're driving, scan near and far, looking for anything out of place. Do not a lulled into a state of complacency or allow your attention be diverted for more than a second. Make awareness of your environment a supreme priority anywhere and everywhere you travel.

Ask yourself: How is it that a 3 ton van could be barreling down a pedestrian breezeway, roaring and rattling, mowing down and obliterating everything in its path and still be undetected by so many soon to become its next victims? It seems incomprehensible, but that is exactly what happened.

Remember, there is no longer safety in numbers. There is now only safety in personal and perpetual vigilance.

03/09/2017

A big part of the frustration with modern life is the routine and monotony of repetitive activities that seem to do little, in and of themselves, to provide anything of value:

• Alarm clocks

• Commuting

• Toxic people and work environments

• Eating on the run

• Paying bills

To and from work, we might listen to stories on the radio that leave us with the impression that the world is falling apart. All of this has the effect of dulling our senses and immersing us in a shroud of fear that keeps our internal defense mechanisms in a perpetual state of readiness.

We lose an appreciation for the little things that restore joy and remind us to be grateful.

Travel can be a way to reset our mind and body, indeed our very life. We once we have arrived at our destination, we set our own schedule. Very often we hand over responsibility for transportation to someone else, whether it be a train, a taxi or an excursion operator. We can sit back and take in the scenery.

The new sights, sounds, smells and experiences broaden our awareness to the wider world and our imagination is rediscovered. Curiosity, wonder and awe are rekindled as we behold the depth, diversity and complexity of different lands, cultures and history.

To learn more, read Wes' article on Travel Local. Peruse the site and be led by your curiosity to different journeys you might plan for the future. Bon Voyage!

02/23/2017

6' 9" tall Eric is part Personal Development Coach, part Fitness Guru, part Photojournalist and Philosopher all wrapped up in one towering individual that has embraced Self Mastery as a mission. And he's chosen a life of travel as the vehicle to to take him there.

His story is one many of us can relate to: Stuck in a dead-end job that had become mind-numbingly repetitive, as a common question continued tugging at his soul:

"Is this all there is?"

Where as most of us just resolve to fall in line and march along in locked step with the masses, Eric decided he had a choice. Or perhaps that he had a mandate: To leave the routine, the "normal" the conventional behind and strike out on his own, to learn about other lands, cultures and people and what they all had to teach him about his own humanity.

But Eric is not impulsive or neurotic. He planned his escape with the precision of an engineer. He read, observed and asked questions to determine what combination of skills and knowledge he would need not only survive, but thrive amidst the uncertainty of unfamiliar lands and people and the unpredictability of circumstances, beyond his control.

As he describes it, he gave himself a year to prepare for the adventure.

He turned his living room into a work space, His walls were soon festooned with cutouts of the continents, notes, diagrams, illustrations and strategies all jotted down in color coded sharpie. He set a goal of learning at least one small thing each day that would move him closer to achieving his goal. He downsized his living space, took a second job to sock away extra money, paid off bills, stopped watching television, took night classes in photography and went to the gym in his spare time.

And as you might imagine, the fears and uncertainty creeped in to his psyche. Almost as if the cosmos was testing him to see how committed he really was. The doubts took hold for a while, but the yearning eventually hardened his resolve and he redoubled his efforts to stay the course and grew exponentially as a result.

He succeeded in leaving the Rat Race as he calls it and has become a consummate videographer, storyteller and inspirational presence on social media. He posts his videos for free on You Tube and writes about his adventures on his blog and Twitter page. Anyone who has ever desired to learn about travel, personal development and in particular, the place where those two trajectories meet, must subscribe to Eric's content.

He is incredibly down to earth and humble about his successes and challenges. He doesn't sugar coat anything or provide a glossy, Bourgeois perspective. He is crystal clear that every problem, doubt or fear he encounters appears for a reason. It is part and parcel of the overall journey and not labeled as good, or bad, but rather as grist for the refinement of his own personal integrity.

Through his videos and writing, I have the sense that I know him. Or maybe I recognize the part of me that he represents. Either way, though we've never become acquainted or even exchanged greetings online, I've developed a vested interest in his success.

I want to believe that even in the midst of so much polarization between West and East, so much uncertainty about the future of global politics, international cooperation and the safety of travel, that the risks actually pale by comparison to the benefits of leaping out of my comfort zone.

His journey is my journey. I hope you will also be encouraged to hop along for the ride. I imagine, if you asked Eric, he would probably tell us that his mission is not only to experience the world first hand, but also to encourage each of step out of our [dis]comfort zone, to dream and work towards redefining what really IS possible.

and most importantly, a profound reminder of and enhanced appreciation for the beautiful and diverse world we live in.

As with attaining anything of value, there is effort involved. In the case of travel, it often requires research, planning, reservations, preparation and often a strict adherence to an imposed schedule.

But once you are there, once you can settle into and become immersed in the experience, there are few activities more life affirming.

Ironically, through the immersion into history, art, food and cultural traditions, we learn more about ourselves. And as I have written extensively, "self knowledge" is a fundamental prerequisite to personal development and ultimately, happiness.

But travel is expensive! So much so, that many perceive they lack the ability to venture beyond their own county or state. And as a result, their personal growth is stunted and their understanding of the world around them remains one-dimensional and distorted.

So how can travel be made accessible to more people? How can we change the narrative of travel from one of being an experience only available only to the economically advantaged, to one that encourages more people to find a way too see as much of our world as possible?

It could be argued that travel is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

For how else can more of humanity come to understand the ways in which we are strikingly similar? How else will children and adults alike begin to appreciate the value of history, architecture and art in elevating our lives? How else will current and future generations be exposed to the stunning achievements of artists, engineers, scientists and leaders and then imagine what dreams they might aspire to?

To that end, it is my privilege and pleasure to share access to the many Intrepid Travelers whom I have become acquainted with via social media. This TRAVEL category of The Happiness Tree will be dynamic and growing, as I become aware of new travel stories and resources that may inspire you to get on the road or in the air. So please, take some time to read and learn about these adventurers who live to experience, learn and then share with us their joy of travel.

11/04/2016

THE PLIGHT OF GIRAFFE AND THE CONSERVATIONISTS DEDICATED TO SAVING THEM

A recent episode of the PBS', (Public Broadcasting Service) iconic program on everything wild "Nature", focused exclusively on giraffe. I was soenlightened and fascinated by this strangely majestic creature and the family that has devoted their lives to bringing the plight of giraffe into our consciousness, in a desperate effort to save them from the brink of extinction.

Take this journey with me now, as I introduce you to these intrepid conservationists that make their home in Namibia, on the continent of Africa and who have chosen to make it their personal commitment to preserve these massive, beautiful, graceful and gentle giants for future generations to enjoy and cherish, as they do.

As the program begins, we meet Dr. Julian Fennessy. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Dr. Fennessy studied at the University of Sydney and gained his Ph.D, writing his thesis on the ecology and conservation of giraffe. Julian, together with his wife, Stephanie have lived in Namibia for over 15 years. They are raising their children here and everyone in the family is keenly involved in every aspect of giraffe conservation.

Julian and his wife Stephanie founded and run the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, (the first giraffe charity in the world), from their home in the capital city of Windhoek, Namibia.

Dr Fennessy has discovered that there is a silent extinction of giraffe going on while the conservation community has been focusing on other species under pressure, such as the African elephant. In an effort to better understand this bizarre and beautiful animal and what the reason is for this alarming attrition, he travels from Namibia to the dangerous border of Ethiopia and South Sudan and on into Uganda. He will eventually devise a daring and brilliant plan to save the most endangered population of giraffe, in an unprecedented rescue mission that will test the limits of human ingenuity and endurance.

In spite of the fact that everyone loves these cuddly giants, it is only recently that humanity has learned anything about them. And the little we have discovered is extraordinary. Under our noses giraffe have gone extinct in at least 7 countries in Africa. Let's peek into the mysterious world of the giraffe to learn more about them.

Fact: Giraffe are the tallest land animals in existence.

Fact: They can weigh almost to 2 tons

Fact: The heart of the giraffe can weigh up to 25 pounds.

Fact: They have the greatest range of vision of any animal on land

Fact: Giraffes are vital pollinators and seed spreaders. Without their assistance, Africa would change dramatically for the worse.

Fact: They receive 70% of their water from the leaves they eat. When they do come in contact with fresh water, they will drink if it is safe. They must spread their front legs to get their head and neck in the right position, which puts them in danger if lions, hyena or leopards are in the vicinity.

Fact: They feed exclusively on plants and mostly in the morning and at night, when the temperatures are cooler. During the heat of the day, they can be found resting where there is shelter from he sun.

Fact: Giraffes are known to eat up to 60 different species of plants, though they most often eat from acacia trees.

Fact: The trees they most often browse from (Acacia), have long, sharp thorns and poisonous leaves.

Fact: Some trees have recruited ants to fight the giraffe off. In response, the giraffe have a thick skin, they can sniff our the poisonous leaves and pluck the softer, moister ones with their giant, sunproof tongues.

Fact: The large protrusions on a giraffe’s head are not horns or antlers but are called “Ossicones”. They are composed of cartilage, like what is found in our ears. The male’s ossicones are much larger and grow increasingly massive over their lives.

Fact: In spite of their incredibly long neck, it’s composed of only 7 vertebrae, like those of all mammals, including humans.

Fact: The giraffes found in and around Namibia are called Angolan giraffes. They are currently defined as one of nine different sub-species spread across Africa.

Fact: A pregnant female giraffe has a gestation period of 15 months, after which she gives birth to a single offspring, which will already stand over 6’ tall.

It is a 2 day drive from Julian’s home to the Hoanib River, where he has been studying giraffes for almost 20 years. This desert is protected and allows giraffe to roam safely, giving Julian and Stephanie an opportunity to study wild, undisturbed behavior.

One male giraffe in particular that Julian has been studying is over 20 years old. Which would make him the world’s oldest recorded wild giraffe.

Facts like how many giraffe are now living and how far they roam have been sorely missing from our understanding of these magical creatures.

But Julian has recently discovered that some male giraffe in Namibia travel more than 11,000 square kilometers per year, in search of females to mate with.

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Using technology only recently available, Julian is now observing giraffe at night and has noted that they are surprisingly active, even when it’s so dark Julian cannot see his hand in front of his face. And he also discovered something else incredible:

Giraffe actually sleep, in the open, in areas where predators roam. But it appears they do so in pairs, allowing one to sleep, while the other keeps vigil for looming threats such as lions or hyena nearby. It would appear that they are communicating and if so, how?

This underscores how little we know about these massive creatures. If or how they communicate, how they sleep, etc. They were thought to be mute, until sounds they produced at night in a zoo, were recently recorded. The sounds resemble descending, low frequency groans. Sounds that might be capable of being heard miles away in the right conditions.

Discoveries like these, about how giraffe live together, may provide vital information that will help Julian save them.

Sadly, one of his most depressing discoveries is that the numbers of giraffe across Africa have dropped by almost 40% over the last 30 years.

To put this in perspective, it is known that the numbers of African elephants, for example, are dwindling. Now standing around 450,000. But giraffe are in much greater peril, with only 100,000 left in the wild.

Easy targets for poachers, they are killed for their meat and their habitats are being destroyed. But to better understand how, where and why their numbers have declined so dramatically, more has to be known about them.

For example, scientists have divided giraffe into numerous subspecies. But are the various populations around Africa actually more diverse than once thought? Are they actually distinct species? And if so, how might this impact their collective survival?

Julian has a theory that there may indeed be as many as 4 or 5 unique species with different characteristics, each requiring a specialized approach to save them.

To support this theory, he has begun to retrieve skin samples, using a specialized dart that captures small plugs of skin that carry an individual’s DNA. He has collected these samples from almost every wild giraffe population in Africa. But one group has eluded him until now.

A sub-species called Nubian Giraffe. The reason they are so hard to find is that there may be as few as 650 individuals in the wild. But they live far from Namibia, right on the war torn border of Ethiopia and South Sudan, in one of Africa’s most remote national parks “Gambella”.

Gambella National Park was once pristine and full of wild animals. Today, it is a becoming a wasteland, full of fires and subsistence cattle grazing. The human population in Ethiopia is growing by 2,000,000 people a year as refugees flee the fighting in South Sudan.

To understand how these events are effecting the local Giraffe population, Julian was part of a team to help place GPS tracking devices on a range of different animals in the park, including giraffe.But just finding the giraffe in this vast park will be a massive challenge. The only way is to use a helicopter. Finally, after days of being aloft and seeing not even one individual, he spots a herd of 30. A vet on his team shoots a tranquilizer dart from the helicopter. Because of the giraffe’s size, massive doses of the chemical are needed to bring them down, but then an antidote needs to be administered as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences.

So they must land immediately after a successful shot, to begin reversing the effects of the tranquilizer, making haste to collect DNA samples and fit the tracking collar.

Julian must sit on the Giraffe’s neck to keep her from getting up. They cover her eyes to keep her calm as she awakens from the drug. Now they will be able to track her movements to see if she crosses the border into South Sudan

If you look closely, you can see that the patterns on giraffe skin appear different in various regions across the continent. Julian's unique and ground-breaking research will determine, once and for all, through these DNA samples whether these differences are more than just skin deep.

On the last day of sample collection and collaring, their trip is cut short. Their helicopter is shot at by militants or poachers, underscoring the dangers of doing any conservation work in a war zone. Within the last year, a helicopter was shot down by poachers in Tanzania. In the last decade, it is estimated that more than 1,000 conservation rangers have been killed in an ongoing war with poachers, increasingly funded by organized crime.

When the samples do come back from analysis, the results are stunning and significant: there is not just one, but perhaps four or five unique species of giraffe. And the Nubian giraffes in Ethiopia should be reclassified as one of the rarest sub-species on Earth. The only other significant population of this species lives in Uganda and was called “Rothschilds” and thought to be a different subspecies, but in fact. they are the same. This means that in total, there are just 2150 individuals of this potentially new species left in the wild.___________________________________________________________

A Modern Day Ark

Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is the oldest and largest conservation area for giraffe, where over 1000 of the Rothschild’s giraffe live, their last great stronghold.

Rothschild's giraffe are very distinctive, with lighter coats, white stockinged legs and not just 3, but 5 ossicones.

In the ground beneath their feet lies 3/4 of Uganda’s oil deposits and plans to drill are underway. Now the mission of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation is to ensure the safety of this precious population. But how? Julian and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, have a unique plan to to save these giraffe for generations.

Their plan is not unlike a sort of Ark, that will essentially ferry a new starter population of giraffes from the North side of the Nile River, (a barrier the giraffe cannot physically cross), to the other side, where they will be safe from drilling activities.

This will require a team of passionate experts to pull off this unprecedented group transport of the world’s largest land animal across a river. But none of them have the necessary skills to capture, load and transport a two-ton, twenty foot tall creature across such a barrier. The task seems daunting and potentially injurious or deadly to the caretakers and or their charges.

And that is why Julian has brought along his secret weapon, Dr. Pete Morkel. Catching and transporting a wild giraffe is difficult and dangerous. Pete has done it hundreds of times. They have two weeks to capture and transport 20 giraffes. They want to establish a breeding herd of young from mostly healthy females and just 3 or 4 males.

There is so much more to this exciting story. But rather than spoiling it for you, why don't you watch the adventure unfold for yourself? Here is the link where you can watch "Giraffe. Nature's Gentle Giants" for free. Please click HERE to enjoy and share with your friends, family and followers.

If the above link fails, please copy and paste this web address into your browser.

To learn more about the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the important work they are doing, please visit them HERE

Home page: https://giraffeconservation.org

To continue their difficult and important work, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation needs your help. Please become part of the movement to save these majestic creatures and their critically endangered environment by contributing to the effort HERE

If the above link fails, please copy and paste this web address into your browser.

09/05/2016

Please Note: This movie was created by one of the friends we met on our amazing trip to Whale Watching in Mexico. It shows a little about him and the first part of our journey in the desert of Northern Baja. Please, just patiently sit through the first few minutes in order to see our amazing encounter with the whales of Baja, California. At the end, I will tell you how you can arrange an unforgettable trip just like this for you and your family.

Early one morning in March, 2014, ten of us were preparing to leave San Diego before sun up. The anticipation was palpable as we all introduced ourselves, shook hands and piled into the van. Mike, our jovial and conscientious guide carefully loaded our luggage into the back and off we went. We had a 10 hour trip ahead of us to Guerrero Negro on Mexico’s Baja, California peninsula. There is nothing particularly special about this place, it looks like so many towns that are scattered up and down Mexico's Western edge: countless shanties, festooned with black water tanks, roadside food carts, loose dogs foraging for scraps and small businesses, sporting iron window bars.

But Nature has endowed this part of Mexico with a coastal phenomenon unique in all the world. Scammon's Lagoon, which lies due West of Guerrero Negro, is accessible only by a long unpaved road. As our van rumbled down this Bohemian trail, the morning after our arrival, I was underwhelmed by the dry, desert environment leading to this natural wonder. Scrub brush and cactus dominated the landscape, but they eventually surrendered to the chilly waters of the Pacific as we approached the lagoon. A combination of ocean currents, geological formations and an abundance of food make this the favorite place on America's Pacific coast for the California Grey Whales to bring the next generation into the world. Furthermore, mothers and calves remain in this lagoon several months as the young one's get strong enough to make their first Summer journey North to arctic feeding grounds.

A small "panga boat" would provide our passage into the dark, mysterious waters of the lagoon, as we anxiously donned our life jackets and made our way across the water. The frigid air kissed our cheeks, as the morning chill and an over abundance of adrenalin set the mood for a once in a lifetime encounter with one of Nature's most majestic leviathans. Our boat captain ferried us to a point in the lagoon, from which the land was barely visible. He cut the engine and we waited. It wasn't long before one of our group spotted a water spout on the horizon. "That's it!" Said the captain. Suddenly, spouts were emerging from everywhere, we realized we were surrounded by maybe hundreds of Gray Whales, lurking in the water, just below our boat.

To help you wrap your mind around the incredible size of these gentle creatures, they can reach up to 40 tons in weight and 50 feet in length, with females being slightly larger than males. After a 12-13 month gestation, calves are born, weighing in at around a ton. Whale mothers are of course very protective of their young and if she perceived that we meant harm to either of them, she would no doubt flip our boat with a single whack of her massive flukes. But that has never happened here. In fact, in a miracle of species interaction, Scammon's Lagoon, (which is also known by the locals as "Ojo de Liebre", or "Eye of the Rabbit"), is the only place in the world where adult whales will not only approach the boat, but encourage their young to come in close, to be touched by humans. This is why we all spent hundreds of dollars and devoted days to travel to this otherwise, insignificant inlet, on the coast of Baja. To have a chance to be near and possibly even lay our hands on this gentle giant of the deep.

Our captain told us that over the past several years, the winter population in the lagoon had been rising. This year, it was estimated that as many as 1400 pregnant or nursing mothers were swimming somewhere in the lagoon. All of the males had already headed North, making their way back to the Arctic. There were numerous spouts appearing all around us now, raising our anticipation to a fever pitch. Some whales were beginning to breach only yards away while others writhed just below us, their unique pattern of barnacles passing quickly under the boat.

Everyone was vocalizing to the whales now, as if to entice a shy fawn to feed from our hand. "Come on sweetie, come on!" "Over here, we love you. Let us see your baby!" Suddenly, a huge mother and calf appeared right next to us. Their exhaled bubbles exploding out of the dark waters, then dissolving into a mist which landed on our faces.

The entire group began lurching from one side of the boat to the other, as the whales seemed to tease us, currying our attention. At first, they were just out of reach, some of our group so excited at the spectacle, they almost fell into the water in an effort to make contact with our gentle visitors. And in spite of their massive size, both mother and baby were acutely aware of their proximity to our vessel. The calf was clearly following her mother's cues as they inched closer and closer, eventually brushing up against our hull. Luckily the small boat had barely two feet of draft above the water, which was reduced to almost nothing as every possible soul crowded along the gunwales, laying their hands on the rubbery skin of the whales.

We had heard that the mother whale actually places her body under that of her calf, raising her out of the water to place her within reach of our human hands and that is exactly what began to happen. The calf's entire upper body was now exposed, she gazed upon us with her eye, as we all cooed in delight. Then, alternatively, the mother would rise to the surface, raising her massive snout out of the water, releasing a tremendous burst of air and letting us pet her to our heart's content.

We spent more than two hours visiting with our pelagic friends, completely immersed in the experience. I'm sure none of us gave a moment's thought to the trials and tribulations that remained back home on the mainland. Women were giddy with excitement and grown men were moved to tears by our other-worldly encounter.

The love, trust and compassion that we shared, left a collective memory on each of our psyche's. And even if we never meet again, what we felt on that day, bonds us all together in a way that few other human experiences could. Nature, in all her beauty and vastness is the great healer.

If only for that afternoon, I am sure that each of us, was quietly reminded of the simple and yet profound truth of our existence. Even in the most trying moments of our human lives, if we will only remember our genuine connection to the natural world and how it embraces and supports us, there is no difficulty we cannot rise above.

For more information on how to book a tour like this, please contact my good friend Mike Essery at Baja Custom Tours. (www.bajacustomtours.com) 619-886-4116

He will ensure that you have an unforgettable, life-transforming experience.

05/11/2016

The mixed blessing of travel brings with it the possibility of a perfect memory or the disappointment of an abject failure. That is what makes it an adventure. In most cases, the overall experience falls somewhere in the broad middle, as was the case with our Jamaican vacation.

Ours began at 3 AM on Monday. We had put off packing until the night before and collapsed into bed at 11:30 pm. With barely 3 hours of sleep the next morning, we downed something resembling a breakfast, gathered our bags and alerted a Lyft driver to pick us up at 3:45.

Getting to the airport

This was our first time using an app on my phone to arrange a taxi ride, but we were reassured that it couldn’t be easier. I downloaded the app, put in my credit card information and saw that even at the witching hour of 4am, there were drivers within 8 minutes of my home, ready to whisk us off to the airport.

I was still beyond skeptical, but when our driver, Issam showed up in front of our house right on the dot, I became an instant believer. He was a polite and courteous gentleman that made what could have been a hectic rush to the airport, pleasant and worry free.

Flying to Jamaica from California on American Airlines always requires a connecting flight, either in Dallas or Miami. This early morning flight from San Diego, surprisingly would be full but we left right on time at 6:20 am.

Flying these days is kind of like traveling in an airborne cattle car. God forbid if you’re tall, overweight or have joint problems and cannot sit motionless for long periods. You are going to be uncomfortable. It’s a given. But the connection in Dallas went off without a hitch and by 3:42pm, Jamaican time, we were touching down in Montego Bay.

Jamaica is a world apart. Once in Jamaica, you’re on Jamaican time and playing by Jamaican rules. And there are lots of rules. This may be true of traveling to any country abroad, but if you forget your passport or bring only the card, rather than the book, they will abruptly send you back. Can you imagine? After all that planning and hassle, to finally arrive only to be told you have to get your butt back on the plane and go home. Thank god that was not our fate.

Package deals

Our package featured an all inclusive stay at a popular resort in Montego Bay. But “all inclusive” does not mean the same everywhere. One would expect that those paying premium prices, should receive premium service, but Jamaica is for all intents and purposes still a 3rd world country.

Your expectations may not be fulfilled, even if they are clearly stated on your itinerary. Because the one in charge of making that happen is standing at the counter in front of you. And if he or she is having a bad day or doesn’t like the look of your t-shirt, you’re out of luck. In some countries, a monetary incentive, known in legal vernacular as “a bribe” may bridge the gap between what you want and what the employee is willing to provide. Whether that would have worked in this case, I have no idea.

In many countries around the world, whose economies fail to meet the basic needs of their respective populations, there is certainly an underground currency that is fueled by money, goods and services changing hands off the record, under the table or behind closed doors. If you’re not willing to participate in this dark market, you may spend a lot of time standing around and complaining; being gouged, misled or even lied to.

The one alternative currency is kindness and it’s not hard to understand why. Because, most assuredly envy and bitterness lurks in the consciousness of those living in these impoverished nations. Especially when they are treated badly by tourists who may spend more on a single vacation than they earn in an entire year.

When you view your service personnel from this perspective, it becomes much easier to tolerate less than perfect treatment now and again.

Trinkets everywhere

One other symptom of an impoverished country is the fact that a large portion of the population is either unemployed or at the very least, underemployed and desperate to receive the much needed assistance that tourist dollars can provide.

And once you leave the illusory confines of the resort and begin walking the streets, you are descended upon by hordes of independent marketeers that attempt to engage you in conversation in order to interest you in buying some trinket which is often described as handmade by local artisans, but which most likely in fact was manufactured by the thousands in China.

However, much more seductive than their wares are the emotions that are conjured up when you witness the kindness they exude, even in the midst of their desperate circumstances. It’s very hard to walk away without feeling a tug on your heart strings.

But the need is so great and your travel budget often so small, that shrewdness must rule the day. It quickly becomes essential to learn how to say NO. This is the unfortunate reality today in many parts of the world, where so many go hungry or suffer for lack of proper shelter or healthcare. And Jamaica is no exception.

Dunn's River Falls

On the brighter side, Jamaica is a beautiful island. And perhaps because of the absence of “big money” much of the forest, river system and coastline remain relatively unaltered. Venturing into these pristine areas can offer wondrous adventure, but also a degree of danger. So when small excursion companies create a way to engage Nature, while minimizing the risks, memorable experiences can be had.

One such opportunity can be found at Dunn’s River Falls, near the town of Ocho Rios. The town is so named because it boasts eight rivers that run nearby. Three of these rivers run all year long and one is called Dunn’s River. When you enter the grounds, you are surrounded by a beautiful tropical forest. The roar of the nearby waterfall accompanies you all the way down to the starting point, where you can partake in an adventure that may be unique in all the world.

Along with perhaps twenty other persons, from all over the world and all walks of life, we were greeted and instructed by an energetic and charismatic young man who would be our guide.

The task? To hike from the bottom of the waterfall, 620 feet to the top, while being completely soaked by the descending torrent. All joking aside, without the expert instruction and support of our guide, such a stunt would indeed be dangerous and foolish. But holding each other’s hand, we all slowly made our way up the twisting and turning cascade, assisted by our water shoes, which we bought in town and which are in fact mandatory for participation in the adventure. To be honest, we both lost our balance and got a little bruised up. But it was a small price to pay for such a rare and exhilarating treat.

Transportation on the island

Jamaica is also a big island and getting around is not easy. There are taxis everywhere and if you’re staying in a resort, the resident drivers will impose stiff fees and time limits on your travel. Therefore, it pays to venture outside to find other drivers who will give you a better deal.

To provide you an idea what you can expect to pay, on the day we traveled to the falls, we were picked up by a driver we were introduced to the day before by a shop owner. He already knew our plan for the day and assured us he would remain at our service throughout, as we made our way from our hotel to the falls and back.

The trip is about an hour and a half each way, from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios. We spent a couple of hours at the falls, after which, he picked us up and and drove us to lunch. When he returned us to our lodging 5 hours later and for all this attention, we paid him $120 U.S., or about $24 per hour.

Renting a car? Not a good idea...

If you're thinking that renting a car would be a viable option, let me caution you! I'm not even sure they are available, but even if so, Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road, as they do in all of England. If you have never piloted a vehicle from-what would be considered in many countries-the passenger seat, I don't recommend trying it in Jamaica.

Traffic can be heavy and local drivers pay little attention to rules of the road, passing on the left, right, middle, where ever they can. Pedestrians cross without warning and getting lost is a real possibility. Having an accident in Jamaica could quickly become a nightmare. Trust me, it's worth it to pay a little extra and leave the driving to someone more familiar with the peculiarities of their system.

Jamaican money and exchange rates

Though the Jamaican dollar does exist and has a current exchange rate with he U.S dollar of about 120 to 1, it is rarely used. The U.S. dollar on the other hand, is accepted everywhere and is preferred by merchants. But as prices may appear in either currency it is useful to keep the exchange rate in mind when negotiating with those with whom you transact business, as this will help you determine whether you are receiving a fair deal.

Make sure the bring a mixture of $20, $10, $5 and $1 bills with you. Street merchants are loathe to give change, presumably with the hope that you will accept another trinket in exchange or leave the remainder as a tip. Having the right change will remedy this problem.

Who are the Jamaicans?

The native residents of Jamaica are descended from African slaves brought in first by the Spanish and later, the British to harvest sugar cane, which remains an important, export commodity for the island, albeit, less so than in the past.

During their enslavement, they developed a unique dialect called Patua, in order to communicate without being understood by their slave masters. This language is still spoken today by all native Jamaicans, as well as English. This blending of dialects: British English and Patua, infuses their conversation with a charming accent. Common phrases Jamaicans will use with visitors are “yamon” (yes). “nomon”, (no) “one love”, (a salutation used when parting ways), “evryting good”, (it’s all good).

And they are a charming people, ready with a smile, an offer of assistance or a compliment, even when there is no monetary incentive.

They are naturally friendly and generous and we felt perfectly safe walking around “The Hip Strip”, a part of Montego Bay set aside for tourists.

That is to say that the casual visitor should not just venture off into other parts of the city by themselves. Most of the islands residents are poor and desperate. As a result, crime is high and tourist that wander thoughtlessly into residential neighborhoods, do so assuming a high degree of risk. Therefore, having a driver who speaks the local dialect, understands the culture and knows which areas are safe, can make the difference between having a pleasant vacation and suffering an unexpected calamity.

What about Kingston?

Though we did not make the three hour drive from Montego Bay to Kingston, I understand that cruise ships often arrive there. If your group approaches the island from this side, you’ll be given several hours to peruse shops within a prescribed area and strongly discouraged from venturing outside those parameters into the outlying neighborhoods. This is good advice which should be followed for the reasons given earlier.

Resorts and what you can expect to pay

Now I will tell you about our stay. Websites abound now offering deals on travel. Buyer beware, as some deals are indeed too good to be true. It is highly recommended to stay with well known, reputable travel purveyors that maintain a record of standing behind their service. We booked 5 nights and 6 days at a popular resort, in Montego Bay. The total cost for round trip flight from California, lodging and all inclusive meals and drinks for two persons was under $2000.

All inclusive not the same everywhere

We have done a fair amount of travel and come to expect a certain aesthetic and level of service with all inclusive packages, but as I mentioned earlier, not all such packages are created equal. We encountered Byzantine rules for making dinner reservations and a dress code which seemed pretentious for an island resort, where the humidity and aquatic activities dictate shorts and tank tops, rather than pants and collared shirts as the most practical attire.

We found shampoo in the room, but no conditioner. Bottled water had to be purchased from the souvenir shop before 6pm, as it was not provided by the staff. The landline phone did not work, despite three requests to have it fixed. And construction down the hall made our room all but uninhabitable during the daytime hours.

But one observant manager took pity on us and secured a much better room with a phone that worked and that was far from the chatter of the jack hammer. Additionally, it was an upgrade with a ocean front balcony and an excellent air conditioner. But this change occurred sadly only two days before our scheduled departure. Our enjoyment would have been enhanced if this had been our room all along.

Having said that, this dated resort had it’s own funky charm, more than adequate food quality and stupendous entertainment. Something we had not counted on. Among the evening acts taking place on their large outdoor stage were amazing singers and dancers. During the day, DJ’s played a wide variety of great music. Music which I have not heard played in the States in many years. I wondered where all the great music of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s went. Now I know, it lives in Jamaica.

Jamaicans love music and play it constantly. But surprisingly absent is the mind numbing rap which has all but taken over the airwaves in American cities. Instead, ballads from the likes of Willie Nelson, Adele, Elton John and of course the king of Reggae, Bob Marley waft out of vehicles, storefronts and bicycle mounted boom boxes. This had the effect of making me feel very much at home.

It is incredible how the presence of the right musical accompaniment can add a sentimental dimension to any experience.

How about the weather?

The weather in Jamaica, indeed in all of the Caribbean is usually hot and muggy. Even in May, when we traveled, we found the temperature to be in the mid to high 80’s and the humidity a pervasive companion, except when air conditioning is present, as it was in our room. Retiring there several times a day to rest and recuperate can extend your energy and stamina. But one eventually becomes acclimated to the conditions and I began to feel exhilarated by the sun’s energy.

The constant daytime activity of most vacations can cause us to forget to drink sufficient water. This might not be an issue in a milder climate, but in the tropics, you can soon become dehydrated. Be sure to carry water, where ever you go and drink it often. If headaches and exhaustion suddenly overtake you, chances are you haven’t consumed enough liquids. You’ll need to slow down and get rehydrated.

Before you go...

There is so much more of Jamaica that remains for us to see. We learned about additional places we would have liked to visit during our stay, but the lack of affordable transportation and time prevented us from exploring as much as we would have liked. In retrospect, I wish we had done more research before our vacation began on places we wanted to see and set aside more capital for transportation. But alas, this is the unpredictable nature of travel and at the very least, serves as an incentive to return someday to continue our adventure.

Feel free to hit me up for questions about Jamaica and our trip in particular. I highly recommend this tropical odyssey as a way to dip your feet in the clarity, warmth and beauty of the Caribbean.

09/07/2015

It is the rare individual indeed who has reached adulthood and not experienced something traumatic, inspiring, humbling, or life-affirming. And yet, the vast majority of these powerful stories are never told. Many are the people who might find solace in the words of someone who can see the world through their lens.

We live in an age where information is everywhere. We are perhaps the most well informed society in history. But have we become wiser and more empathetic as a result? Perhaps not. Which is more important. information or self knowledge?

The breadth of human experience is limitless and within that universal spectrum of possibilities are incredible stories of achievement, tragedy, love, loss, success and abject poverty that deserve to be told. So many of you search for a purpose, a reason to exist. You search your soul for what you might have to offer your fellow man or woman, assuming it will be some as yet unrealized talent or skill. Yet you overlook what is right under your nose, the story of the very life you have lived or are now living. And it silently begs to be revealed.

Perhaps helping others is not currently on your agenda. You’ve reached a dead end, the path ahead seems dark and foreboding. Maybe you lack confidence, you’re not good with people, you have a disability or something about your appearance that causes you to avoid human contact.

You feel stuck and wrack your brain for a way out of this conundrum, but come up empty. What’s the solution? Write!

Are you the one who was on top of the world? Maybe you had the best job, the greatest lover, the most loving family and everything you touched seemed to turn to gold and then one day, it was all taken away. A terrible accident; your partner left or died suddenly; a natural disaster or insurgent uprising tore your family apart and loved ones were lost forever; your world was rocked by a frightening diagnosis; you made a terrible mistake and lost your job, or you became collateral damage in the ebb and flow of capricious economic cycles. How can you recover? How can reassembling the rubble of your past lead to finding a meaningful way forward? Write!

It seems too easy. I can hear your doubting Thomas saying, “nothing so simple as writing can heal this wound, or take away this pain”. Ahh, but it’s not simple and it’s not easy: it takes a lot of difficult and sometimes painful introspection to unravel and then articulate the ball of confusing emotions pent up inside of you. I guarantee you will open the computer or place a piece of paper in front of you and stare at the empty space for a while… perhaps a long while, before anything emerges.

If you’re lucky, your story will be perched precipitously on the edge of your fingertips and you won’t be able to keep up with the explosive flow of ideas emanating from within you. But that is rare. More than likely, you have spent years suppressing your story, rejecting it, trying to ignore or obliterate it from from your mind. But the tendrils of that amorphous mass of emotions has wriggled into your DNA. In spite of your heroic efforts to outrun it, it remains part of you and will not find peace until it sees the light of day.

Expression is the solution, rather than expulsion. Accept what has happened to you and celebrate that by some twist of fate, you are still here to tell your story. You not only have a need to do it, you have a responsibility. Someone out there needs the other half of the key that you hold. Yes, your story is unique, but not so unique that perhaps thousands of other people might find liberation though hearing how you dealt with elements of your personal struggle.

Ultimately, the most powerful tool for dealing with every day life is self knowledge. And there is no better way to access that repository of wisdom than through writing. Chances are you don’t need therapy, you don’t need a pill, you don’t need a bottle to make it though the day… you need a purpose. Slow down, sit down and pick up the mantle of the warrior waiting inside of you. It is said: “the pen is mightier than the sword:, that is true whether it be in dealing with interlopers from without or demons from within. Begin today, right now if possible. Don’t procrastinate. Just do it!

How to Begin

OK, we’ve covered why you should write, now it’s time to discover how. Where do you start? The most fundamental principle is to have a comfortable place and posture. By that I mean that especially when you’re starting out, it’s important to have good support for your body and quiet for your mind. A favorite chair or sofa that is firm, but not hard will reduce the fatigue associated with sitting in one position for an extended period. Pick a time every day or several times a week that works well with your schedule. Of course, responsibilities have to come first, but either before or after that, carve out time in your day for you.

I don’t like to use a pen or pencil. My writing is illegible and my hand gets tired. Fortunately, I learned how to type at an early age and adapted well to writing on the computer. You have to find what works for you. Ultimately, the computer is the preferred platform, because if you choose to send your works to someone, it’s as easy as a click. Additionally, you may choose to publish your writing on the web in the form of a blog like this one and having already saved your thoughts in a digital form makes that much easier. But the most important thing is just to start writing, regardless of the way you do it.

What to Write About

We discussed earlier how you life experiences can be mined for tantalizing stories, but maybe you’re one of the rare and fortunate individuals who is happy and well-adjusted. You are reconciled with your past, your present life is for the most part pleasurable and your future seems well in hand. Good for you! What contribution can you make? Chances are there is a secret to the settled life that you lead. Do you have a favorite hobby, do you volunteer for a special cause, are you able to travel? If so, where have you gone and what have you seen? If you say “I have nothing to write about”, I say, you’re not using your imagination.

Don’t worry too much about a structure at first. You need to develop the discipline of writing and your “inner voice” and that will just take time and practice. Allow the thoughts to be “downloaded” from your mind in a process we will call “stream of consciousness”. Write several paragraphs and then read them over to better understand what you’ve written.

It may seem odd, but writing and understanding are not the same. It is almost as if your subconscious dumps the raw emotions and ideas on to the paper or computer and then your analytical mind endeavors to make sense of them. Don’t worry too much about grammatical correctness or syntax, just try to ensure that the paragraphs link up somewhat, to develop a flow of ideas, rather than leaping from one subject to another. There will be time later to correct and refine the work into something you can be proud of.

Once you’ve decided what story you want to tell, try to identify several themes within that story that will form the various chapters. For an example: if you wished to tell people about your experiences volunteering in Africa, helping displaced families find food, water and housing, your list of chapters might read like this:

1. MY LIFE BEFORE AFRICA

2. THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED

3. THE HISTORY

4. THE PEOPLE

5. THE CRISIS

6. DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE

7. WHERE WE ARE TODAY

8. THE CHALLENGES GOING FORWARD

9. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

10. MY LIFE AFTER AFRICA

This would make a great book! I’ll bet you’d like to read it now, based on the interesting chapter headings. This could be your book, but instead of Africa, maybe you’d discuss your challenges with overcoming a disease and the current state of research into a cure, etc. Or maybe your story would be about winning the lottery and how ironically, all that money solves some problems but creates many more. You catch my drift. The possibilities are limitless, as broad as the palette of human experience.

Turning your story into a book

OK, hold on partner, you’re not ready for that quite yet. Don’t focus on the result, concentrate on finding your inner voice and refining it into a crystal clear message for yourself as well as your future readers. But you’ve set the goal of getting your story to a wide audience, through publishing a book.

Now when people ask “what do you do?” you can truly say “I am writing a book”.

It may take six months, it may take ten years, but you are on the path. Doesn’t it feel great? Stick with it and you will get there.

Happy writing!

-S.E. Mathias

My new book "The Happiness Tree" will be out this year, published by Balboa Press. Check back often for news of it's release and where you can buy it.

Random Samples to Get You Started

Rare Books, Gifts & Collectibles at Amazing Prices

_________________________
What is The Happiness Tree?

This blog and its companion
book are a direct challenge to the preconceived notions,
fears, biases and flawed approaches that hold many of us back from
success in relationships, work, creativity and most importantly, life
satisfaction.

Like many of you, from my
adolescent years, I was seeking guidance to
help me understand the complex interplay between myself and the world
at large: A sort of “Life Manual”. I would peruse book stores and act
on recommendations by friends and respected “gurus”, and never found a
book, program or methodology that connected all the dots.

I’d read one book about
Spirituality, and another about Self Esteem.
Yet another about The Creative Process followed by a treatise on
Relationships. Each book seemed to partially address one piece of the
puzzle, but not how that element fit into or coordinated with all the
others.
Then at a dark, pivotal point in my mid-life, I felt the need for just
such a paradigm shift. A complete overhaul of my belief systems and a
new scaffolding upon which to construct my future. I was sure that in
the new frontier of the internet, I’d be able to find just the right
message, delivered just the right way that would provide me that “Aha
moment” I so desperately desired. But alas, I found only bits and
pieces, not a cohesive, holistic approach to creating sustainable
happiness.

So, I built
it myself.

One of the pearls of wisdom
that stuck with me during my many years of
searching, was that ‘all the tools and information we need to create a
productive, happy life, are already inside of us’. This made sense to
me. Though not a religious person, I have always believed that we were
brought
into this life to fulfill a purpose. And if that was so, then it would
stand to reason that we’d be provided the skills necessary to manifest
that purpose or at least the means to acquire them. From that
perspective, our challenge then, from the moment we’re born, (or some
would say, even before that), is to discover our mission, then develop
the energy, passion and abilities to fulfill it.

Along the way though, most of
us get bogged down in the details. To use
a driving metaphor, we head off perhaps in the right direction and then
hit a pothole. Our vehicle becomes temporarily disabled and so we hitch
a ride and become a passenger on someone else’s journey. Through
detours and switchbacks, we may
spend years retracing our steps in an effort
to regain the momentum of those earlier times. Along the way,
circumstance or destiny places what feels like insurmountable barriers
in our path,
causing us to rethink our entire rai·son d'ê·tre.

This is usually when the pivot
happens. When our belief systems
collapse, leaving us feeling incapable of addressing even the simplest
task, for lack of confidence in our own abilities or the very
righteousness of humanity. I built The Happiness Tree for this critical
juncture in my own life and by extension, to help you through yours.

This system is named The
Happiness Tree, for a reason. By following its
intuitive structure: Roots; Trunk; Limbs and Branches, we begin to
organize the seemingly complex interplay between ourselves and others,
into a visual framework, allowing us to step back for the first time
and see the entire global connections that make up our lives. From this
vantage point, areas that are weak or unbalanced are revealed. We are
then guided toward achieving a broader and more effective
distribution of our time, energy, talents, passions and goals through
the implementation of practical, common sense strategies. Branch, by
branch we begin to fill out our own unique tree, from top to bottom,
enhancing our confidence, relationships, creativity, purpose and
ultimately, our life satisfaction and happiness.

Let "The
Happiness Tree" support you on your quest to achieve the life
you’ve always dreamed of. Just read, absorb, practice. evolve and
become the manifestation of Joy in your own life and that of those you
love.